The Ascent of Money

By Niall Ferguson

Description

From the bestselling author of Civilization and The Square and the Tower, a richly original look at the origins of money and how it makes the world go round

Niall Ferguson follows the money to tell the human story behind the evolution of our financial system, from its genesis in ancient Mesopotamia to the latest upheavals on what he calls Planet Finance. What's more, Ferguson reveals financial history as the essential backstory behind all history, arguing that the evolution of credit and debt was as important as any technological innovation in the rise of civilization. As Ferguson traces the crisis from ancient Egypt's Memphis to today's Chongqing, he offers bold and compelling new insights into the rise--and fall--of not just money but Western power as well.

Reviews

Observer

5

By M. Rivera

I had to read this book for an economics class about 2 years ago and it is still the only book I recommend to people.

Exceptional summary of economic history - and impacts today.

5

By jbalance

Highly recommend that you read this - well researched and clear/ articulate delivery. Beautiful.

Hello

3

By Keverhere

For those of us whom are curious about where money came from and where it's going and do not work in the financial services industry, this book is a little too deep. Otherwise, I commend the author for taking on what is at the same time a mundane and convoluted topic while also fascinating.
-K